Piano Safari for the Older Student – Piano Sight Reading & Theory Book 2
Older Student Sight Reading 2, the Piano Safari Sight Reading & Theory Book 2, is the reading and theory half of Level 2 for teen and adult students (SKU PSOSSR2). It’s 76 pages, matched unit for unit to Repertoire & Technique Book 2.
The big change at this level is the analysis questions. Each unit has 14 short sight-reading exercises, and each one asks the student a question about one reading concept, such as an interval or a pattern. Looking first, then playing, is meant to move students from note-by-note reading toward reading in patterns. The exercises also vary the texture: two-part writing, hands in parallel and contrary motion, chord patterns, and melodies split between the hands.
Who is this book for?
Publisher level: Older Student Level 2, listed by Piano Safari as Elementary.
Approximate student level: Elementary to Late Elementary.
It’s for teens and adults who have finished Older Student Sight Reading & Theory Book 1 and are working in Repertoire & Technique Book 2. Piano Safari’s Teacher Guide describes the series as working for ages 10 through adult.
What’s inside Older Student Sight Reading 2?
| Unit | Theory and reading |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Half and whole steps; sharps, flats, and naturals; major pentascales; rhythm; major and minor 2nds and 3rds; triads; reading 2nds and 3rds |
| Unit 2 | Minor pentascales and minor triads; 5ths; notes on the staff; composition; reading 2nds, 3rds, and 5ths |
| Unit 3 | 4ths; notes on the staff; composition; reading 2nds through 5ths |
| Unit 4 | 6ths; notes on the staff; rhythm; reading 2nds through 6ths |
| Unit 5 | 7ths and octaves; C major scale degrees, chord inversions, and chord progression; composition; reading 2nds through octaves |
Each unit also includes rhythm tapping exercises. The Teacher Guide suggests tapping them, playing them on two notes (one per hand), playing them on a drum, or improvising on a five-finger position.
By the end, a student reads every interval from a 2nd to an octave, understands major and minor pentascales and triads, and knows the basics of the key of C major: scale degrees, inversions, and a chord progression.
Do I need the Repertoire & Technique Book too?
For the full course, yes. Piano Safari built Level 2 as two matching books. The pieces and technique are in Repertoire & Technique Book 2 (SKU PSOSRep2), and this book gives the reading drills, theory, and composition for the same units. We sell them separately at August Muse, so you can buy just what your teacher assigns.
Where does it fit in the series?
It follows Older Student Sight Reading & Theory Book 1 (SKU PSOSSR1). Next comes Sight Reading & Theory Book 3 (SKU PSOSSR3), alongside Repertoire & Technique Book 3 (SKU PSOSRep3). All are at August Muse.
Product Details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Piano Safari for the Older Student: Sight Reading & Theory Book 2 |
| Series | Piano Safari for the Older Student, Level 2 |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Product type | Sight-reading and theory book |
| Publisher level | Older Student Level 2 (Elementary) |
| Approximate student level | Elementary to Late Elementary |
| Recommended ages | 12 and up (Teacher Guide: 10 through adult) |
| Authors | Julie Knerr Hague and Katherine Fisher |
| Publisher | Piano Safari, LLC |
| Pages | 76 |
| Contents | 5 units; 14 sight-reading exercises per unit; theory, rhythm, and composition pages |
| Media | None (no audio tracks) |
| Companion book | Repertoire & Technique Book 2 (PSOSRep2), sold separately |
| SKU | PSOSSR2 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the analysis questions?
Short questions on each sight-reading exercise that point the student to one reading concept, like an interval or a pattern, before they play.
Are there composition pages?
Yes, in Units 2, 3, and 5.
Can I use it without the Repertoire & Technique Book?
It follows that book’s units, and Piano Safari designed the two to work together. Most students will want both.
Best For
- Teen and adult students in Piano Safari Older Student Level 2
- Readers ready to move past 2nds and 3rds
- Students who want to read in patterns, not note by note
- Learners curious to write a little music of their own
- Teachers who want sight reading and theory in one book
Keep a pencil handy for the analysis questions and theory pages.
Come look through both Level 2 books in the shop.
Available at August Muse
Piano Safari for the Older Student: Sight Reading & Theory Book 2 is available at August Muse in downtown Elizabethton, TN, along with Repertoire & Technique Book 2. Stop in, or call ahead and we’ll set one aside.
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